In case you are going to visit Stockholm by buses, you will require a valid ticket of SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik). The city has metro, buses, trams, commuter trains and certain ferries, which are operated by SL and thus one can easily move around without a vehicle.
This guide will take you through the various methods of purchasing SL tickets, including the online methods such as the app and contactless cards, as well as the old-fashioned methods such as ticket machines and agents.
Ticket Options in Stockholm
SL has a variety of types of tickets based on the duration of your trip:
- Single Journey Ticket: 75 minutes on the whole SL network.
- Travelcards: Travel unlimited within a fixed time. They can choose 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days or annual passes.
- SL Smart Card (green card): It is a reusable plastic card which can be loaded with tickets or travelcards.
The tickets are valid on SL buses, the metro, commuter trains, trams, and some ferries.
1. Buying Tickets with the SL App
Many travelers find it most convenient with the SL App, which is formally known as SL – Journey planner and tickets.
How it works:
- Install the application in the App Store or Google Play.
- Launch the application and select the type of ticket (single journey, 24-hour, 72-hour, and so on).
- Use a debit card or credit card.
- Your ticket will be kept online in the application and can be presented to the inspectors upon demand.
The application is also a journey planner that provides you with routes, travel time, and live updates.
Also See: SL Lost and Found: How to Report and Retrieve Your Items
2. Using Contactless Payment
Contactless bank card or a mobile wallet (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) can also be used.
Steps to use contactless:
- Swipe your card or device on the green SL reader at the metro turnstiles, on buses, trams or at ferry terminals.
- The system costs you a 75 minutes single journey ticket.
- Board and travel without having a physical ticket.
Important: Every passenger should be using his or her card or device. You are not able to pay more than one person with a card in a single tap.
3. Buying Tickets at SL Centers and Ticket Machines
You can visit an SL Center or use ticket machines in case you want to use physical tickets or get in-person help.
- SL Centers: These are found at the major hubs like the Stockholm Central Station and the larger metro stops. They sell tickets, give information and customer support.
- Ticket Machines: These are located at metro and commuter rail stations. You can purchase single tickets or charge travelcards on your SL smart card using them.
4. Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores
In Stockholm, several convenience stores are SL agents, including Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven. Here you may purchase single journey tickets or temporary travelcards. This alternative is applicable when you are close to a shop yet not a metro station or the SL Centre.
5. The SL Smart Card (Green Card)
The green smart card offered by SL is a reusable card that can be loaded with travelcards or single tickets. The price is 50 SEK and is sold at SL Centers, ticket machines or agents. All you need to do is to tap the card at the reader as you begin the journey. Smart card is particularly handy to residents or visitors who are staying long.
Note: The SL Access card system used in the past has been discontinued, however, you can still access the balance left in the old system via the SL site.
Read More: SL Routes and Subscriptions: How to Get a Pass
Important Things to Know
- Validation: Tap your ticket, smart card, or contactless card on the green reader before travelling.
- No cash on buses: You can not purchase tickets in board buses with cash.
- Fines: The penalty fare is 1,850 SEK in addition to the price of one ticket, and the penalty is imposed when one travels without a valid ticket.
- No tap-out required: SL system only needs you to tap-in when you begin your trip.
Which Option is Best?
- For visitors: SL App or 24/72-hour travelcard is most likely to be the most convenient and affordable.
- For locals or long stays: A 7-day, 30-day, or 90-day travelcard charged on the smart card is the most suitable.
- For quick, occasional rides: Contactless payment is the simplest one as you just need your bank card or phone.
Purchasing SL tickets in Stockholm is easy and there are flexible plans to the short term visitors as well as the long term commuters. The most convenient are the SL App and the contactless payment, whereas the ticket machines, SL Centers and convenience stores are good alternatives.
Regardless of your choice of transport, you must be in possession of a valid ticket prior to boarding to avoid fines and also to enjoy smooth travel within the well connected public transport network in Stockholm.
